October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix NowOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
DocumentaryTube
Admit one · Blog

What Drake Alleged About UMG, Spotify and “Not Like Us”—and What the Court Decided

Drake’s petition against UMG and Spotify was withdrawn; his separate defamation case against UMG was dismissed. Neither proceeding established that “Not Like Us” streams were manipulated.
Opened Runtime3 min Written byDocumentaryTube Team

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Drake alleged that UMG used bots, paid promotion and a Spotify recommendation deal to boost Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.” Those claims were never established in court: Drake withdrew the petition that named UMG and Spotify, then filed a separate defamation lawsuit against UMG. A federal judge dismissed that case in October 2025, finding the song’s challenged statements were opinion in context and the pleaded stream-manipulation theory insufficiently plausible.

What did Drake allege about “Not Like Us”?

In November 2024, Drake’s company, Frozen Moments LLC, filed a New York petition seeking pre-action discovery and preservation of evidence from Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify. It alleged that UMG used bots, pay-to-play arrangements, paid influencers and other promotional methods to increase the song’s reach. The petition also alleged, on information and belief, that UMG offered Spotify a discounted licensing rate in exchange for recommending “Not Like Us.” These were allegations, not court findings. The claims are described in the Associated Press’s report and in UMG’s response to the petition.

UMG denied wrongdoing. In its response, the company called the claims speculative and disputed that it had made the alleged Spotify deal. UMG also said, “We employ the highest ethical practices in our marketing and promotional campaigns.” The AP reported UMG’s position that fans, rather than the company, choose what music they hear. Those statements are UMG’s response, not independent findings about how the song was promoted.

Were the petition and the lawsuit the same case?

No. The petition was a request to obtain and preserve information before a possible lawsuit; it was not the later federal defamation case. Drake withdrew the petition on January 14, 2025. The next day, he filed a separate lawsuit against UMG. Spotify was not a defendant in that federal case, and Kendrick Lamar was not a defendant either. Music Business Worldwide reported the withdrawal and new filing.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
  • Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
  • Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
  • Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
  • Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
  • 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Proceeding Named parties Purpose or claim Outcome
New York pre-action petition, November 2024 Frozen Moments LLC sought information from UMG and Spotify Seek discovery and preserve evidence concerning alleged promotion and stream boosting Withdrawn January 14, 2025; the petition did not produce a finding that streams were manipulated
Federal defamation lawsuit, filed January 15, 2025 Drake sued UMG; Spotify and Lamar were not defendants Challenge UMG’s publication and promotion of the song, its lyrics, artwork and video Dismissed by the district court on October 9, 2025

Why did the federal court dismiss Drake’s case?

On October 9, 2025, U.S. District Judge Jeannette A. Vargas granted UMG’s motion to dismiss the amended complaint. The court treated the challenged statements in “Not Like Us” as nonactionable opinion when heard in the context of a heated rap battle. Judge Vargas wrote: “Republication cannot transform Lamar’s statement of opinion into UMG’s statement of fact.” The opinion concluded that the battle’s “incendiary language and offensive accusations” would not lead a reasonable listener to take the song as imparting verifiable facts about Drake. Read the court’s October 9, 2025 opinion and order.

The judge also found the complaint’s theory of covert stream manipulation insufficiently plausible as pleaded. The opinion said the allegations relied on online posts and fan reporting to infer manipulation. Dismissal on a motion to dismiss is a legal ruling on the complaint’s sufficiency, not a trial finding after discovery that established whether streams were or were not manipulated.

Rank #2
Sale
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
  • 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
  • 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
  • Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
  • 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

Do the stream counts prove that streams were inflated?

No. The court opinion recounts the numbers as Drake’s allegations or arguments, not as proof of artificial activity:

  • The amended complaint alleged that “Not Like Us” had more than 1.4 billion Spotify streams globally as of April 2025. The opinion attributes that figure to the complaint; a high stream count does not establish that streams were generated artificially.
  • At oral argument, Drake argued that the song reached 300 million Spotify streams in 35 days. That was his argument, not a judicial finding that bots or paid promotion caused the streams.

The court opinion does not find that UMG or Spotify manipulated the song’s streams. It addresses the legal claims and allegations before the court, not a verified measurement of manipulation.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
  • Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
  • Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
  • Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
  • Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What happened after the dismissal?

Pitchfork reported on January 22, 2026, that Drake had filed an opening appellate brief seeking reversal of the dismissal. The report quotes Drake’s lawyers continuing to argue that UMG promoted false and defamatory insinuations. That report establishes that an appeal was being pursued at that time; it does not establish the appeal’s later status or outcome. Pitchfork’s report is dated January 22, 2026.

Best Value
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
  • 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
  • Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
  • Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
  • HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
  • What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
  • Dual Converters, Infinite Potential:Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
  • Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
  • Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
  • Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
  • Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Screening Room

  1. Serena Williams Makes a Cameo During Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl Halftime ShowAdmit one · BlogSerena Williams Makes a Cameo During Kendrick Lamar's 2025 Super Bowl Halftime ShowOpened04 OCT 2026Runtime2 min
  2. Why Are Drake and Kendrick Lamar Feuding? A Complete Timeline of the Rappers’ BeefAdmit one · BlogWhy Are Drake and Kendrick Lamar Feuding? A Complete Timeline of the Rappers' BeefOpened10 AUG 2026Runtime24 min
  3. 9 Times celebrities got rejected publiclyAdmit one · Blog9 Times celebrities got rejected publiclyOpened08 AUG 2026Runtime8 min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.